Skerries RNLI tow fishing vessel to safety

Skerries RNLI were tasked after Dublin Coast Guard received a radio call from a 22-metre fishing vessel with 7 men on board that had lost engine power less than half a mile north of Skerries harbour and were adrift.

The volunteer crew in Skerries launched their Atlantic 85 Inshore Lifeboat “Louis .Simson” within minutes of being paged. The struggling fishing vessel was well lit and visible from the shore, so the lifeboat made it’s way quickly alongside.

With the fishing vessel drifting dangerously close to the shore it was decided to establish a tow to bring them into safer water. Once the tow was established the lifeboat proceeded to tow them towards Skerries harbour. A line was passed to the shore and with the assistance of a local razor fishing boat, the vessel was brought safely alongside the harbour.

Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said: ‘This was quite a large vessel for us to take under tow, but the conditions were very fair on the night and the Atlantic 85 was very much up to the job.’

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Gerry Canning Skerries RNLI volunteer lifeboat press officer on 087 988 4965 email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Regional Media Manager Ireland on 087 1254 124 or 01 8900 460 email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Regional Media Officer Ireland Tel: 087 6483547 email: [email protected] or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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